The program included students, faculty, collaborators, and external partners, aiming to showcase the opportunities offered by the RUN-EU alliance to the academic community. The event began with a workshop on European Union values, led by Europe Direct Minho, which linked European principles to current challenges facing democracy.
In parallel, several information spaces were set up, including a RUN-EU space providing details on mobility periods and Short Learning Opportunities (SLOs), the RUN-EU Student Council stand, and the RUN-EU Research Pop-up, facilitated by UPCA researchers. An exhibition dedicated to the alliance's partner universities and regions was displayed in the corridor of the School of Technology until November 4, 2026.
In the afternoon, a round table discussion took place on “Opportunities for Polytechnic Universities in European Alliances.” The session featured the SUNRISE alliance, represented by the Polytechnic University of Viana do Castelo (UNIPVC), with Ana Paula Vale, Vice-Rector for Internationalization, António Curado, Pro-Rector for Sustainability, and Tiago Melão, president of the Academic Federation and member of the SUNRISE Student Council.
From UPCA, participants included Vice-Rector for Internationalization, Paula Tavares, who chaired the panel, faculty member Cristina Coutinho, who shared testimonials on mobility programs, and student Rafaela Gonçalves, representing the RUN-EU/UPCA Student Council. The discussion focused on the transformation of higher education, the opportunities provided by alliances, and the collaborative potential between polytechnic institutions with distinct European paths but a common ambition for the Minho region. It was emphasized that RUN-EU and SUNRISE complement each other and should join forces.
The day concluded with the RUN Quiz, organized by the Student Council, aimed at engaging more students with RUN-EU activities and the Student Council itself, celebrating the values that unite Europe.
